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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 05, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 04, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I am a 35 Year old Single Male with a net monthly salary of 1.75 lakhs per month. My accommodation is provided by the company. So my expenses are not much. I invest 90k per month in MFs. I also have additional investments of 1.5 Lakh in PPF, 50k in NPS, 1.5 Lakh in SGB. My goal is to have a Corpus of 25 Crore and retire at 50. Can you suggest anything else that I should do or am I doing alright? MY MFs are a mix of Small cap, Mid Cap and Large Cap with about 50% weight in Small Caps.

Ans: It sounds like you're on a solid financial path with your current investments and savings habits. Here are a few additional suggestions to consider as you work towards your goal of retiring with a corpus of 25 crores:

Review and Adjust Asset Allocation: Given your goal of retiring at 50, ensure your asset allocation aligns with your risk tolerance and time horizon. Consider rebalancing your portfolio periodically to maintain the desired mix of small, mid, and large-cap funds.
Emergency Fund: While your expenses are low, it's still essential to have an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses or job loss. Aim for 6-12 months' worth of living expenses in a liquid savings account.
Explore Tax-Efficient Investments: Since you're already investing in tax-saving instruments like PPF and NPS, consider exploring other tax-efficient investment options such as ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) mutual funds or tax-free bonds to optimize your tax savings.
Regular Financial Check-ups: Schedule regular financial check-ups with a Certified Financial Planner to review your progress towards your retirement goal, adjust your investment strategy as needed, and ensure you're on track to meet your objectives.
Consider Real Estate: Real estate can be a valuable addition to your investment portfolio, providing both rental income and potential capital appreciation. However, carefully evaluate the property market and ensure it aligns with your overall investment strategy and risk tolerance.
Overall, continue with your disciplined savings and investment approach, and regularly reassess your financial plan to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and aspirations. With careful planning and prudent decision-making, you're well-positioned to achieve financial independence and retire comfortably at 50.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 07, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I am a 35y old single Male. My target is to retire at 50 with a corpus of 25 Crores. Currently, the worth of my portfolio is 1.25 Crore with 75 lakhs in MFs, 25 lakhs in NPS, 10 lakh in PPF, 10 lakh in SGB and about 5 lakhs in Cash and Stocks. My monthly investment is 90k in MFs and annual investment in PPF and SGB is 1.5 lakhs each. I have a 2Bhk house in Pune and my after-tax salary is 2 lakhs/month. My company takes care of my accommodation and my regular monthly expenses are about 50k/month. Do you want to suggest any other plans or am I doing alright keeping my goal in mind? Currently, the MFs are weighted about 50% Small cap, 25% Mid and flexi cap and 25% Large cap.
Ans: Your dedication to financial planning is commendable, especially with a clear retirement goal in mind. Let's delve into your current situation and discuss potential adjustments:

Your current portfolio allocation seems well-diversified, with a significant portion invested in mutual funds, NPS, PPF, SGB, and some cash and stocks. This mix offers a balance of growth and stability.

Your monthly investments and annual contributions to PPF and SGB reflect a disciplined savings approach. It's crucial to maintain this consistency to achieve your retirement target.

Your 2BHK house in Pune is an asset that adds to your net worth and provides security. It's great that your company covers your accommodation expenses, easing your financial burden.

With your after-tax salary and monthly expenses, you have a surplus for investments, which is a positive sign. It's essential to ensure that this surplus is utilized efficiently towards your retirement goal.

Considering your goal of accumulating a corpus of 25 Crores by the age of 50, it might be beneficial to reassess your asset allocation strategy. While your current allocation is diversified, you may want to tilt it slightly towards more conservative options as you approach retirement age.

Given your aggressive investment approach, you might consider gradually shifting towards a more balanced portfolio with a higher allocation to large-cap and balanced funds, which are comparatively less volatile.

Additionally, exploring other investment avenues such as direct equity, debt funds, or alternative investments could further diversify your portfolio and potentially enhance returns.

Regularly reviewing your portfolio's performance and rebalancing it as needed is crucial to stay on track towards your retirement goal.

Overall, you're on the right track with your financial planning efforts. Continue with your disciplined approach, stay informed about market trends, and seek professional advice if needed to optimize your portfolio further.

Keep up the excellent work, and with persistence and smart decision-making, you're well-positioned to achieve your retirement target!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

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Sir, my age is 34. Presently drawing salary of 90k p/m. Having MF of 22k p/m (Quant Small Cap 5k; Nippon Small Cap 5k, Aditya Birla Front Line Equity Fund 2k, Kotak Flexi Cap 3k, Axis Growth Opportunities Fund 5k & Quant Insfrastructure Fund 2k). As I want to continue the same atleast for coming 15 years, how much amount I need to invest on MF to build a corpus of 3 crores & also suggest me is there any fund which need to add or switch from my existing portfolio? Present obligation is 8k pm.
Ans: Thank you for sharing your financial details and goals. It's great to see your commitment to building a substantial corpus through disciplined mutual fund investments. Let's analyze your current portfolio and create a strategy to achieve your goal of Rs. 3 crores in 15 years.

Current Financial Overview
You are 34 years old, drawing a salary of Rs. 90,000 per month. Your monthly investments in mutual funds are Rs. 22,000 with the following allocation:

Quant Small Cap Fund: Rs. 5,000
Nippon Small Cap Fund: Rs. 5,000
Aditya Birla Front Line Equity Fund: Rs. 2,000
Kotak Flexi Cap Fund: Rs. 3,000
Axis Growth Opportunities Fund: Rs. 5,000
Quant Infrastructure Fund: Rs. 2,000
Your current obligations are Rs. 8,000 per month.

Evaluating Your Portfolio
Your current mutual fund portfolio is diversified across small-cap, large-cap, and sector-specific funds. This diversification is essential for balancing risk and achieving long-term growth. However, we should evaluate each fund's performance and consider adjustments.

Quant Small Cap and Nippon Small Cap Funds
Small-cap funds have high growth potential but come with higher risk. Continue investing but monitor performance regularly.

Aditya Birla Front Line Equity Fund
Large-cap funds provide stability. Consider increasing your allocation to large-cap funds for balanced growth.

Kotak Flexi Cap Fund
Flexi-cap funds offer flexibility to invest across market capitalizations. These funds can adapt to market changes, making them a good choice.

Axis Growth Opportunities Fund
This fund focuses on growth stocks, which can provide significant returns. Keep a close watch on its performance.

Quant Infrastructure Fund
Sector-specific funds can be volatile. Infrastructure funds can perform well during economic growth but consider their cyclical nature.

Suggested Adjustments
To achieve your goal of Rs. 3 crores in 15 years, you may need to increase your monthly investment and optimize your portfolio.

Increase Monthly SIP
Based on typical mutual fund returns, consider increasing your SIP to around Rs. 30,000 - Rs. 35,000 per month. This adjustment can help you reach your target corpus more comfortably.

Review Fund Performance
Regularly review the performance of your funds. Switch funds that consistently underperform and reallocate to better-performing ones.

Add Diversified Equity Funds
Consider adding diversified equity funds to your portfolio. These funds invest across sectors and market capitalizations, providing balanced growth.

Investment Strategy for Rs. 3 Crore Corpus
Monthly SIP Calculation
To build a corpus of Rs. 3 crores in 15 years, assume an average annual return of 12%. Based on this, you need to invest approximately Rs. 30,000 - Rs. 35,000 per month.

Systematic Increase in SIPs
Consider gradually increasing your SIP amount as your income grows. This strategy leverages the power of compounding and boosts your corpus.

Balanced Portfolio
Maintain a balanced portfolio with a mix of small-cap, large-cap, flexi-cap, and diversified equity funds. This balance mitigates risk and enhances returns.

Importance of Regular Monitoring
Annual Portfolio Review
Conduct an annual review of your portfolio. Assess fund performance, market conditions, and your financial goals. Make adjustments as needed.

Rebalance Your Portfolio
Rebalancing ensures your portfolio remains aligned with your risk tolerance and financial objectives. It involves realigning asset allocation to maintain the desired risk level.

Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner
Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to tailor your investment strategy. A CFP can provide personalized advice, helping you optimize your investments and achieve your financial goals.

Conclusion
You are on the right track with your current investments. By increasing your SIP amount and optimizing your portfolio, you can achieve your goal of Rs. 3 crores in 15 years. Regular monitoring and professional guidance will further enhance your financial security. Stay disciplined and focused on your long-term goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 15, 2024

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Hello Sir, I am a 40 yr old Zonal Sales Head in a private organisation having monthly take home salary of Rs.2.15 lakhs. I now invest Rs.81,500/month in diversified mutual funds SIP. I have a mutual fund Corpus of Rs.67.5 lakhs. I have Rs.16 lakhs in Shares in equity market & Rs.28 lakhs in PF, Rs.8 lakhs in PPF, Rs.8.5 lakhs in LIC Jivan Anand. I keep Rs.3 lakhs in Bank account. I have a 6 yr old daughter. I would like to have 2.5 Cr for my daughters' higher education in 15 yrs & i need to have a corpus of 8 crores for my retirement in 18 yrs. Please suggest, am i on the right path.
Ans: I understand that you want to ensure your daughter's higher education and a secure retirement. With a structured plan and consistent efforts, you're on the right path to achieving your financial goals. Let's dive deeper into your current investments and future needs.

Current Financial Standing
You have an impressive monthly salary of Rs. 2.15 lakhs. Out of this, you are investing Rs. 81,500 in diversified mutual funds SIPs. Your mutual fund corpus stands at Rs. 67.5 lakhs, and you have Rs. 16 lakhs in equity shares. Additionally, you have Rs. 28 lakhs in your Provident Fund (PF), Rs. 8 lakhs in Public Provident Fund (PPF), and Rs. 8.5 lakhs in LIC Jivan Anand. You also maintain Rs. 3 lakhs in your bank account for liquidity. This is a robust financial foundation.

Assessing Your Goals
Your financial goals are clear and ambitious. You aim to have Rs. 2.5 crores for your daughter's higher education in 15 years and a retirement corpus of Rs. 8 crores in 18 years. Let's break down how your current investments align with these goals and what adjustments may be necessary.

Mutual Fund Investments
Your substantial investment in mutual funds is commendable. Diversified mutual funds are a solid choice for long-term growth. Given your current SIPs, ensure that your portfolio remains balanced across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Diversification reduces risk and enhances growth potential.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
It is crucial to monitor your mutual fund portfolio periodically. Market conditions change, and your investments may need rebalancing to maintain the desired asset allocation. Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner can help optimize your portfolio.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds often outperform index funds, especially in the Indian market. Professional fund managers make strategic decisions to maximize returns, adapting to market fluctuations. This expertise can potentially provide higher returns compared to passive index funds.

Equity Shares
Your Rs. 16 lakhs in equity shares is a good investment. Direct equity investment can offer substantial returns but also comes with higher risk. Ensure that your equity portfolio is well-diversified across different sectors to mitigate risk. Consider periodically reviewing and possibly reallocating your investments based on market performance.

Provident Fund (PF) and Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Your investments in PF and PPF are prudent for long-term security. These instruments offer safety and tax benefits. Continue contributing to these funds to ensure a stable, risk-free component in your portfolio.

Life Insurance Policies
You have Rs. 8.5 lakhs in LIC Jivan Anand. While traditional insurance plans provide security, they often yield lower returns compared to mutual funds. Given your substantial investment in insurance, consider evaluating the returns and possibly reallocating to higher-yielding investments.

Surrendering Investment-cum-Insurance Policies
If the returns from LIC Jivan Anand are not meeting your expectations, consider surrendering the policy. Reinvesting the proceeds into diversified mutual funds can potentially offer better growth, aligning with your long-term goals.

Emergency Fund
Maintaining Rs. 3 lakhs in your bank account for emergencies is wise. This fund should cover at least six months of your expenses. Given your monthly salary and expenses, ensure that this emergency fund remains liquid and easily accessible.

Daughter's Higher Education Goal
To achieve Rs. 2.5 crores in 15 years for your daughter's higher education, your investments need to grow at a healthy rate. Diversified mutual funds can help achieve this target. Ensure that you regularly review and adjust your SIPs to stay on track with this goal.

Education Savings Plan
Consider setting up a dedicated education savings plan. This plan can focus on high-growth mutual funds with a mix of equity and debt to balance risk and returns. Regular contributions and compounding growth will help you reach the Rs. 2.5 crore target.

Retirement Planning
Your goal of Rs. 8 crores for retirement in 18 years is ambitious but achievable with disciplined investing. Let's evaluate how your current investments align with this goal.

Building a Retirement Corpus
Continue with your diversified mutual fund SIPs and equity investments. Additionally, consider increasing your SIP contributions periodically to match inflation and salary increments. This will help grow your corpus faster.

Role of Provident Funds
Your investments in PF and PPF will provide a stable and secure base for your retirement corpus. These funds should continue to form a core part of your retirement plan due to their safety and tax benefits.

Long-Term Investment Strategy
Adopt a long-term investment strategy focusing on equity mutual funds for growth. As you approach retirement, gradually shift to more conservative investments like debt funds to protect your corpus from market volatility.

Tax Planning
Efficient tax planning can enhance your savings and investment returns. Utilize tax-saving instruments like ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) mutual funds. They offer tax benefits under Section 80C and potential for higher returns.

Maximizing Tax Benefits
Ensure that you are fully utilizing the Rs. 1.5 lakh deduction limit under Section 80C through investments in PPF, EPF, and ELSS. Additionally, consider tax-saving options under Sections 80D for health insurance and 24(b) for home loan interest.

Health Insurance
Adequate health insurance is crucial for financial security. Ensure that you and your family are covered under a comprehensive health insurance plan. This will protect your savings and investments from unforeseen medical expenses.

Estate Planning
Consider creating a will to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Estate planning helps avoid legal complications and ensures your family's financial security.

Education and Retirement Goal Alignment
Balancing your daughter's education and your retirement goals is key. Prioritize and allocate investments towards both goals. A Certified Financial Planner can help structure a plan that aligns both objectives without compromising either.

Final Insights
You are on a commendable path with your disciplined investment approach. Your diversified portfolio and regular investments are key to achieving your financial goals. Regular reviews and rebalancing of your portfolio will ensure you stay on track.

Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide tailored advice and strategies to optimize your investments. Stay focused, and your financial goals are well within reach.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 04, 2024

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Dear Sir, I am 36-year-old male and want to achieve a corpus of 8 cr at the age of 55 to retire. My current financial situation is as below: *Monthly earnings after taxes: 1.5 Lakh *Monthly expenses: 60-70000 + some times uncalled ones too My portfolio is : *EPF: 8 lakhs *Mutual Funds: 14Lakhs *PPF: 7.5 Lakhs *FD and RD: 4 Lakhs *Stocks: 3 Lakhs *NSC: 1.5 Lakhs Ongoing investments: *35,000 monthly SIP across multi cap, large cap, frontline Equity, Infra and Energy * 20,000 RD at 7.1 % * EPF 30,000/per month * Yearly PPF 1.5 lakhs Stocks are as per the market. So, my goal is to retire by the age of 55 and by then I want a sizable amount of corpus after taking care of my kid's education and marriage.
Ans: At 36 years old, you have set a clear goal: to accumulate a corpus of Rs. 8 crores by age 55. Your current financial situation reflects a disciplined approach, with a good balance between investments and savings. However, achieving an Rs. 8 crore corpus in the next 19 years will require strategic planning and disciplined execution.

Let’s break down your current portfolio and ongoing investments:

EPF: Rs. 8 lakhs
Mutual Funds: Rs. 14 lakhs
PPF: Rs. 7.5 lakhs
FD and RD: Rs. 4 lakhs
Stocks: Rs. 3 lakhs
NSC: Rs. 1.5 lakhs
Total: Rs. 38 lakhs

You are also making ongoing investments:

SIP: Rs. 35,000 per month
RD: Rs. 20,000 per month at 7.1%
EPF: Rs. 30,000 per month
PPF: Rs. 1.5 lakhs per year
Stocks: Market-based investments
Your total monthly income is Rs. 1.5 lakhs, with expenses ranging from Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 70,000. This leaves you with a significant surplus to invest towards your retirement goal.

Reviewing Your Investment Strategy
Mutual Funds
You are currently investing Rs. 35,000 per month in various mutual funds, including multi-cap, large-cap, frontline equity, infra, and energy. This is a strong start, but let’s refine it:

Diversification: Ensure your portfolio is diversified across different sectors and market caps. Avoid overlapping funds that invest in similar stocks.

Focus on High-Growth Funds: Consider allocating more to funds with a history of higher returns, especially those focusing on emerging sectors and mid/small-cap companies. However, don’t overexpose yourself to high-risk funds.

Review Regularly: The market is dynamic. Regularly review and rebalance your mutual fund portfolio to stay aligned with your goals.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Your yearly investment in PPF is Rs. 1.5 lakhs, which is a secure and tax-efficient investment. However:

Limited Growth Potential: PPF offers safety, but the returns are moderate. While it’s a good component of your portfolio, it shouldn’t dominate your long-term strategy.

Continue as a Safety Net: Maintain your PPF contributions for stability and tax benefits, but focus more on higher-growth investments for wealth accumulation.

Employee Provident Fund (EPF)
You contribute Rs. 30,000 per month to your EPF, which is a strong foundation for your retirement corpus. EPF provides:

Steady Returns: EPF offers safe and steady returns with tax benefits. It should remain a core part of your retirement planning.

Long-Term Focus: Continue maximizing your EPF contributions, as it’s a low-risk, long-term investment that will grow significantly over 19 years.

Recurring Deposit (RD)
You are investing Rs. 20,000 per month in an RD at 7.1%. While this is a safe option:

Low Return on Investment: RD offers safety but with limited returns. It’s good for short-term goals but might not be the best for long-term wealth accumulation.

Reallocate to Higher-Growth Options: Consider reducing your RD contributions and reallocating the surplus to higher-growth mutual funds or stocks.

Stocks
You have Rs. 3 lakhs invested in stocks and continue to invest as per market conditions. Stocks are:

High-Risk, High-Reward: Stocks offer higher returns but come with higher risks. Ensure you are investing in fundamentally strong companies with growth potential.

Regular Monitoring: Actively monitor and manage your stock investments to capitalize on market opportunities.

National Savings Certificate (NSC)
Your Rs. 1.5 lakh investment in NSC is a low-risk, fixed-return option. While NSC is safe:

Low Growth: Like RD and PPF, NSC offers safety but with limited growth. It’s suitable for conservative investments but should not be a significant portion of your retirement corpus.
Setting a Path to Achieve Rs. 8 Crores
To achieve Rs. 8 crores in 19 years, a well-rounded strategy is essential. Here’s how you can plan:

Increase Equity Exposure
Higher Allocation to Equity: Given your long-term horizon, consider increasing your exposure to equity mutual funds. Equities have the potential to outpace inflation and offer higher returns over the long term.

Balanced Portfolio: Maintain a balanced portfolio with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. This will help in capturing growth across different segments of the market.

Consider Systematic Transfer Plans (STPs)
STPs for Rebalancing: As you approach your retirement age, gradually transfer funds from equity to debt through STPs. This will help reduce risk as you near your goal.

Stable Returns in Later Years: STPs allow you to lock in gains from equity investments and shift to safer debt funds as you approach your retirement.

Regularly Review and Adjust
Annual Review: Conduct an annual review of your portfolio to ensure it’s on track. Adjust your investment strategy based on market conditions and your changing risk appetite.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner: Regular consultations with a CFP can provide professional guidance and help in optimizing your investment strategy.

Emergency Fund and Insurance
Maintain an Emergency Fund: Ensure you have at least 6-12 months’ worth of expenses in a liquid fund. This will protect your investments from being liquidated in case of unforeseen expenses.

Adequate Insurance: Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance coverage to protect your family and your assets. This will safeguard your retirement corpus from unexpected medical or life events.

Final Insights
Achieving Rs. 8 crores by the age of 55 is ambitious but attainable with disciplined saving and investing. Focus on increasing your equity exposure while maintaining a safety net through EPF, PPF, and emergency funds. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your goal.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 09, 2025Hindi
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I am 39 and My in-hand salary is 90K and additional rental income of 15k from my house (loan free), which will start from next month. My current monthly expenses are around 50K. I have PPF balance of 14 lakhs and a PF (including VPF) balance of 10 Lakhs, contributing 1.5 Lakhs to PPF annually and 2.3K to PF and 10.2K mothly to VPF respectively. Also have an FD of 1.5 Lakhs. I am new to MF and have started investing since last April. My MF balance is 1.23 lakhs, details of which are as ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 index fund - 5000 p.m. Parag Parikh Flexi cap fund - 2000 p.m. Quant Small cap fund - 2000 p.m. UTI Nifty 500 value 50 index fund - 2000 p.m. ICICI Prudential Bharat 22 FOF scheme - 1500 p.m. ICICI Prudential Retirement Fund - Hybrid aggressive - 3000 p.m. Looking for advise for two questions : 1. what will be the decent retirement corpus. my investment horizon is long term, around 22 years. looking to accumulate around 6-7 crores. is it possible.? 2. My MFs are underperforming, do I need to change any allocation. ?
Ans: With a long-term investment horizon of 22 years, accumulating Rs 6–7 crores is achievable. It requires disciplined savings and strategic asset allocation.

Assessing Current Investments
You contribute regularly to PPF, VPF, and MFs, which is commendable.
Your existing corpus of Rs 25.23 lakhs (PPF, PF, FD, and MF) gives a strong start.
Rental income adds flexibility for investment, as it is a steady source.
Required Corpus and Growth
A corpus of Rs 6–7 crores in 22 years is realistic with consistent investing.
Equity investments can provide high growth for your long-term goals.
Fixed-income instruments (PPF, PF, FD) ensure stability but may need rebalancing.
Suggested Allocation for Corpus Growth
Allocate higher portions to equity for compounding and inflation-beating growth.
Continue PPF and VPF contributions for stability and tax benefits.
Increase equity MF investments gradually to balance the portfolio.
Improving Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
Your MF portfolio needs evaluation to align with your goals and risk tolerance.

Issues with Current Portfolio
Two index funds and a Bharat 22 FOF reduce your growth potential.
Index funds offer average returns, which underperform actively managed funds.
Actively managed funds can provide better returns with professional management.
Recommendations for Portfolio Adjustment
Exit index funds and Bharat 22 FOF. Redirect these amounts to high-performing equity funds.
Keep Parag Parikh Flexi Cap for its strong track record and diversification.
Retain Quant Small Cap for long-term growth potential, but monitor volatility.
ICICI Prudential Retirement Fund is acceptable, but evaluate its performance periodically.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Active funds are managed by experienced professionals who aim to outperform benchmarks.
These funds adapt to market conditions and maximise growth opportunities.
A Certified Financial Planner can help select funds aligned with your goals.
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds simply mirror the market and lack flexibility in stock selection.
They underperform in volatile markets as they cannot avoid poor-performing stocks.
Actively managed funds are better suited for long-term goals like retirement.
Taxation and Investment Planning
Review taxation rules to minimise tax liabilities on your returns.
Equity MF LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%; STCG is taxed at 20%.
Debt funds are taxed as per your income slab, reducing post-tax returns.
Steps to Achieve Rs 6–7 Crore Corpus
Invest an additional Rs 15,000–20,000 monthly from your rental income in equity MFs.
Increase your SIPs annually by 10–15% to match income growth.
Maintain diversification across large-cap, flexi-cap, and small-cap funds.
Avoid over-allocation to low-growth instruments like FD and Bharat 22 FOF.
Monitoring and Reviewing Portfolio
Review your portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner every year.
Rebalance allocations based on performance and market conditions.
Exit underperforming funds and shift to better options when necessary.
Final Insights
Your goal of Rs 6–7 crores is attainable with disciplined investing and portfolio adjustments. Increase focus on equity funds for long-term growth while retaining stable instruments like PPF and VPF. Monitor your portfolio and seek professional guidance for optimal results.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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